Military Girl : Terri

Please tell us a little about you.

The name’s Terri, and I’m a 29 year old professional photographer who was lucky enough to marry my best friend and soulmate, who happens to put on a uniform and serves in the United States Navy.

Beyond that, we’re currently stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and both living out our dreams. However, even though we’ve only been married under a year, we’re now facing our first PCS to Mayport, Florida within the next few months – and I started a blog/website documenting our story. I call it the [mis]adventures of a navy wife. Oh, and we have a pug named Jiggy!

Complete this sentence : “Being a military spouse is …”

Not something that defines me. I know, it sounds silly. I’m proud of what my husband stands for and does every day. But there’s so much more to me than my husband’s career.

Do you participate in the military community and if so what is it you do?

Since my husband is currently on shore duty, there’s not really much for me to do, such as FRG, Ombudsman work, etc. – but I do cater to a lot of the Military personnel out here as well as their spouses through the lens of my camera. In fact, 90% of my clientele is Military.

What is the hardest part of your day?

Learning something new. And although it can be the best part of my day as well, it can totally be the hardest as well. Not only that, but balancing my professional work and “home” life work. It can be tough, but I get gangster with the housework inbetween emails, invoices and editing images.

What is the best part of your day?

Receiving emails from clients that tell me they had tears in their eyes from seeing how amazing their images turned out in their opinion. I can be somewhat critical of my own work. “I’m my own worse critic”, so to say. And of course, being able to tell people “this is my husband” when I introduce Patrick to people I know in or around town.

So far, what has been your biggest challenge or accomplishment (professional or personal)?

Currently going through our first PCS. I didn’t realize how much work it would entail for the both of us, especially after just getting married this past August. Here we thought we’d be able to just relax and enjoy our first year of marriage. But alas, we’re trucking on to other things.

 

Which is your favourite room in the house and with unlimited resources how would you decorate it?

My office. It’s my domain. It’s colorful, bright … and me!

What is the best meal you ever cooked (or ate)?

Homemade macaroni and cheese. Nothing is better than homemade comfort food, seriously. It’s funny, I just got done putting some in the oven.

What movie or TV show do you watch when you need a mood lifter?

Oh Lord, I’m seriously ashamed to admit it – but anything reality. ESPECIALLY The Real Housewives of Orange County, Atlanta and New York.

I’m visiting and we’re going out for the day/night – where are we going?

We’re going to sit on my couch. We’re home bodies. Plus, unless you have a camera to where we can go shooting random things for the fun of it – your best bet is that we’ll be sipping coffee on the couch talking about life. I love it most when my friends and I do that.

If you could do anything today, what would it be? (think BIG!)

I would tell my 16 year old self to not be so down on myself back then. I know, cheesy. But I have to look at my life today and realize it’s not what it was even a mere year ago. I am totally blessed. Totally.

What is your favourite quote or personal motto?

“You are a Walter…” My grandfather said this to my aunt before she went in for surgery to remove breast cancer from her body. Toughest woman I know, but this saying has been said to all of us in the family when times have been rough to us. And that statement holds SO true. (My maiden name is Walter.)

And finally … something random most people may not know about you?!

I’m not your typical military wife. And sometimes, I like to say that to people out of nowhere. I don’t allow the Military and what my husband does in the Military define me. I think that’s a huge statement a lot of women are afraid to make. But it’s cool. I love my life the way that it is.

PHOTO CREDITS [ALL IMAGES] : ASHLEY WHITLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

 

Thanks so much Terri!

You can contact/follow Terri on:

her blog

Facebook

Twitter

and through MilitaryBlogs.org